TWO THIN COATS REQUIRED.
Apply one coat for clears, toners and semi-transparent stains. Apply two coats for solid color stains, Paramount Stains or Revitalize. To help avoid lap marks, apply to only a few boards at a time, keeping a wet edge. Back brushing is recommended for a more even finish and to ensure proper penetration.
Pro Tip: Avoid applying more than two coats unless explicitly recommended by the manufacturer, as excess pigment can lead to splotching or peeling.
If you are applying a second coat of stain on top of an existing coat, let the first coat dry for 24 hours before applying the second coat. To prep the wood for staining, simply wipe it down gently with a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust, hair, or debris and start with a nice, clean surface for staining.
But with a clear or semi-transparent wood stain, a second coat will just sit on the surface of the first coat.
Because the additional coat is not penetrating the wood, it is simply layered on top, which will cause the coat to be more fragile and will not offer the same level of protection as the proper amount of stain. Additionally, moisture in the wood can not escape, which will result in the stain peeling.
Gel stain will be fine. Regular Minwax stains can cause finish problems down the road if left without wiping. Amount of stain left on the project is going to be the biggest factor. If you can still see through it and it dries with a day or so it will probably be OK.
If it rains between coats the coating must be dry before any subsequent coating is applied. Drying will take place naturally over time. If excessive time (generally greater than 48 hours) has passed since the coating was applied, it may be necessary to prime the existing coating once dry.
If your existing deck stain is: Light: Apply a similar or darker stain color without additional preparation required. Dark: This will be hard to 'cover' with a lighter semi-transparent color, as the old/dark color will come through. If you want to lighten up the color of a dark deck, consider a lighter solid stain.
NOTE: Do not sand between coats. 6) Allow the stain to dry. Check can label for drying time. WHY A TOPCOAT?
The sun beating down, the rain pounding, and the snow piling high. Dirt and residue are going to settle in and build upon that flat surface. That's why it's so important to treat your deck with a good quality stain or paint. The best stains should last 3-5 years when applied correctly.
AVOID APPLYING STAIN TOO HEAVILY.
1-2 hours before recoat. Allow 72 hours for full cure.
If you are looking to maintain the natural beauty of your wood with minimal color correction, transparent stain is likely the best option. If you want to add some color while still maintaining a natural look, semi-transparent stain is a good choice.
Yes, using a roller when staining your deck is perfectly acceptable. Many professionals swear by this method because it's a faster way to apply stain to a large surface area. Choosing the right roller for the job is essential – typically, a 9-inch roller with a 3/8-inch nap is ideal for applying stain to your deck.
Use a Foam Brush for Corners and Large Projects
For corners, nooks, crevices, or any other hard to reach spots, use a foam brush to apply the stain first. What is this? Then, wipe off the excess with a lint free rag.
Applying a second coat too soon can result in uneven coverage and poor adhesion.
With a staining brush, work both with the grain and against it. Don't worry about being neat; all that matters is getting a nice, even, liberal coat over the wood. Wipe the stain off immediately if you'd like a lighter tone. But for a deeper tone, leave the stain on the wood for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off.
3 coats of deck stain can be too much if you are applying and oil based stain. You can definitely apply 3 coats of water based deck stain as long as you only apply thin coats.
No matter the type of wood, we always recommend waiting 24-48 hours after rainfall or cleaning to make sure the structure is dry prior to staining.
The longer the stain is left on, the deeper and richer the color will be. For consistent color, use careful timing.
In order to remove lap marks from a stained surface, you can soak a clean cloth in paint thinner and rub the cloth over the dark areas of the lap marks. As a result, the lap marks will slowly begin to disappear and remove some of the stain.
BEHR PREMIUM® Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is available in 60 custom colors that add beauty while allowing the natural wood grain to show through. The alkyd/acrylic formula combines the benefits of an oil-based finish and the convenient clean-up of a water-based product.
Reapplying Stain Correctly
Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure an even surface. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth. Reapply the stain liberally, working in small sections. Immediately wipe off the excess with a clean rag, moving in the direction of the wood grain.